The Lionesses set the foundations for the perfect Saturday early on with a 2-1 win in their World Cup quarter-final.
Preston North End followed it up with another 2-1 win as they triumphed over Sunderland in the first home league game of the season.
It was a hard fought victory and The Mackems will be disappointed to come away with nothing as they were very threatening at times.
Player Ratings:
Freddie Woodman – 8
Didn’t put a foot or a hand wrong. Woodman is such a reliable player in this team and had to be alert for 13 shots on goal, 12 corners and countless other balls into the box. Huge player for us this season.
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Andrew Hughes – 8
Another player who’s hugely important in this team is Hughes. He had to help out Kian Best who was outside him and he made probably a match saving tackle when Abdoullah Ba looked set to make it 2-2.
Liam Lindsay – 7
The defence on the whole were solid at the back. It helped that Sunderland weren’t playing a recognised striker. Seven clearances and an 85% pass completion rate for Lindsay. Job done.
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Jordan Storey – 7
There were a lot of balls into the box to deal with today and the defence held tight for the 90 minutes. To only concede from the penalty spot is impressive against a talented Sunderland side.
Brad Potts – 8
Another typical Brad Potts performance. He gives it his all for the full 90 minutes and seems to find another wind so many times in the game. It was tough dealing with Jack Clarke but he coped better in the second half. Potts was great at driving us up the pitch with some great runs and won some important free kicks towards the end as well to ease the pressure.
Even more impressive considering he welcomed his son into the world only two days ago. A couple of sleepless nights going into the game you’d imagine.
Kian Best – 6
A tough game for Best in his first league match at Deepdale. The 17-year-old won’t come up against many better wingers this season than Patrick Roberts and Jack Clarke. They gave him a torrid time and he struggled to contain them.
Best gave away the penalty but he didn’t let affect him. He had a better second half and was a threat going forward. His set piece delivery is superb and every game will be a learning curve for him.
Ryan Ledson – 6
A lot of the game was played out wide so Ledson couldn’t have much of an impact on breaking play up. There were a few late challenges from him and it was an improvement from last week.
Alan Browne – 7.5
Good energy from the captain today. Pressed from the front along with Will Keane and Mads Frokjær and played high up again. Was a good performance and helped battle with the rest of the team to get us over the line.
Ali McCann – 7.5
Similar to Browne, was in the right places at the right times. Broke up play and went on a few runs himself. Got a knock late on but Duane Holmes picked up from where McCann left off.
Mads Frokjær – 8
We have needed this type of player for so long. A midfielder who is willing to have a few shots from outside the area. It paid off in the first half as his shot came off Will Keane and wrong footed Anthony Patterson.
Got the winning goal as well after could running to support Browne and took the shot on first time before celebrating and announcing himself to the Town End.
Will Keane – 7.5
Great pressing from the former Wigan Athletic striker. Was lucky with his goal but they all count. Tired towards the end but never gave up and is a good focal point in the time.
Substitutes
Duane Holmes – 6.5
A lot of energy at a key time towards the end of the game. Stifled Sunderland’s attempts for an equaliser.
Jack Whatmough – 6.5
Came on to help deal with the crosses into the box. Won a few headers and got the job done.
Ben Woodburn – N/A
Only on for a few minutes.